Overview
- The DWP warned that any text about the Winter Fuel Payment is a scam and said genuine payments are automatic with no action required by claimants.
- Those born on or before September 21, 1959 who were resident in England or Wales during the September 15–21 qualifying week are reported as eligible, with typical sums of £200 or £300 for people aged over 80.
- Information letters are expected in October and November, payments are scheduled for November and December 2025, and people who have not been paid by January 28, 2026 are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
- Pensioners with taxable income above £35,000 will have the payment reclaimed through the tax system via PAYE or self-assessment, and an opt-out is available instead of later reclaim.
- Arrangements differ across the UK and abroad, with a similar scheme in Northern Ireland, a separate pension age winter heating payment in Scotland, and limited eligibility for some pensioners in EEA countries or Switzerland who moved before December 31, 2020, while warmer countries such as Spain and France are excluded.